Mercedes-Benz reveals the new SL65 AMG Black Series

Mercedes-Benz and its in-house tuner AMG have finally released first details and images for its extreme Black Series edition of the new SL65 AMG. Priced from $320,000 in the U.S. and €309,000 in Europe, the new Mercedes supercar comes with a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 developing 661hp (493kW) at 5,400 rpm and a heady 738 lb-ft (1,000Nm) of torque. This is 20hp (15kW) up on Mercedes’ own SLR McLaren 722 edition supercar.

Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic gearbox equipped with AMG’s new speedshift program, which is able to shift gears in just 250 milliseconds. Combined with the sledgehammer V12 and the upgraded gearbox, the new SL65 Black Series will accelerate from 0-60mph in just 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 199mph. This top speed is actually limited by the gearbox's final ratio.

The acceleration is aided by an extensive weight reduction program that sees the car shed some 250kg over the standard SL65. The final kerb weight of the new Black Series is 1,870kg, brought about by extensive use of carbon-fiber, a fixed roof, a stripped interior and more aluminum components instead of steel ones. The car’s bonnet has also been replaced with a carbon unit and is joined by a carbon bootlid spoiler, which rises at speeds in excess of 60mph.

Other features include a new adjustable suspension set-up, a wider track, larger brakes, an integrated rear diffuser and a lower hood.

The car’s overall length measures in at 4,589mm, width at 1,960mm and 1,286mm in height. Its wheelbase stretches 2,560mm. Fitted up front are 19in forged alloys wrapped with 265mm tires, and in the rear is a pair of 20in wheels with 325mm rubber.

The new SL65 Black Series will make its world debut at October’s Paris Motor Show before going on sale early next year.